Norwegian producer Farao (AKA Kari Jahnsen) has released her third studio album Magical Thinking via marvaða (UK/EU) and Western Vinyl. Blending 90’s R&B, 80’s disco and elements of jazz, Farao navigates the space between denial and acceptance.
The whole album is filled with lustrous layers: pipes, strings, synths, bells… the list of texture is endless. It has all of the smooth groove that oozes out of the best old skool R&B. The vocals are ethereal and effortless above head-nodding, infectious rhythms; the overriding feeling is dreamy and hypnotic.
First track ‘Waiting for You’ is driven by its funky as hell bass line; get out your disco balls and roller skates for this incredible album opener.
The bells provide sonic expansion in ‘Dreamy Ride’, with Farao’s intent of exploring space audibly evident. They ominously reverberate and trickle, creating something both slightly unsettling yet completely beautiful and captivating.
Collaborating with ambient pioneer Laraaji, ‘Voice Continues’ is a transcendent, spine-tingling cinematic soundscape. Exploratory and evocative.
The record beautifully weaves grief, resilience, longing and hope, throughout a journey of sound and space.
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